Man U swoop for £30m Vodafone

NEWS Vodafone is to replace Sharp as Manchester United's main sponsor in a £30m, four-year deal, which kicks-off on 1 June. The agreement includes the incorporation of Vodafone's brand logo on the team's playing kit, the rights to use the Manchester United mark in promotions and advertising, and hospitality access and perimeter advertising at all Manchester United home games - excluding the European Champions League. The tie-up will also see the mobile phone operator become the principal telecommunications and equipment services partner to the club. Vodafone will provide mobile phone and wireless Internet services to Manchester United's worldwide supporter base. Peter Bamford, chief executive of Vodafone UK, said in a statement: "Manchester United is one of the best sporting brands in the world and supported by millions of fans of all ages. This ground-breaking agreement goes beyond a pure shirt sponsorship and will bring a new range of mobile information services to a loyal massive supporter base."